Monthly Archives: February 2020

RIP, Anna Russell

Posted on February 4, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Truly, the end of an era. Anna Russell, the petite powerhouse who oiled the engine of government as Houston’s city secretary for nine mayors during a nearly 70-year career defined by her sharp eye and quick wit, died Monday. She … Continue reading →

Posted in Local politics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Interview with Diana Martinez Alexander

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

It’s February, we’re two weeks out from the start of early voting for the 2020 primaries, and we’re going to spend this week in Harris County Commissioners Court, Precinct 3. Incumbent Steve Radack is stepping down after 32 years in … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Judicial Q&A: Tim Hootman

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

UT-Tyler: Biden doing better than Bernie

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Poll #2 from this week stands in contrast to Poll #1. Former vice president Joe Biden has stretched his lead in Texas in the Democratic presidential fight, buoyed by gains among Hispanics, a new Dallas Morning News-University of Texas at … Continue reading →

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Weekend link dump for February 2

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

What might have happened in the next season of some TV shows that got canceled. Gotta say, as a fan of “Castle”, I’m glad the Season 9 that might have been never did happen. “[Alan] Dershowitz’s career is a testament … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog stuff | Tagged | 5 Comments

Ken Paxton does Ken Paxton thing

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Film at 11. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office is not defending a state agency that is being sued for punishing a judge who refuses to officiate gay marriages. It’s the most recent in a handful of cases in which … Continue reading →

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Texas Lawyer’s judicial race coverage

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

As you know, I’ve been busy with judicial Q&As as usual, but this year I’m not the only one chasing down judicial candidates to ask them why they’d make good judges. Texas Lawyer, a part of the Law.com publication, is … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Metro’s robot security guards

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Not a character from a dystopian action movie, I promise. Robot security guards are coming to a Houston-area transit center, park and ride lot and rail station in the coming months, after the Metropolitan Transit Authority board approved a $270,000 … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Punishment, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A little national press for the Railroad Commissioner race

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Bloomberg News notes that the Texas Railroad Commission could have a significant effect on climate change, if it wanted to. Booming oil and gas production across the Permian Basin of West Texas has made this little-known regulator, with three voting … Continue reading →

Posted in Election 2020 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

County files lawsuit over Watson Grinding explosion

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

As well they should. Harris County and state officials entered the fray Thursday, bringing civil charges against Watson Grinding and Manufacturing in the explosion that left two dead and damaged 450 structures last week in west Houston. The county has … Continue reading →

Posted in Legal matters, Local politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Another scooter injury study

Posted on February 1, 2020 by Charles Kuffner

Keep ’em coming. Electric scooter injuries have surged along with their popularity in the United States, nearly tripling over four years, researchers said in a study published Wednesday. Nearly 40,000 broken bones, head injuries, cuts and bruises resulting from scooter … Continue reading →

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